The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

Okay, let's restart it....

1 Buffalo vs 8 New York Islanders
2 New Jersey vs 7 Tampa Bay
3 Atlanta vs 6 New York Rangers
4 Ottawa vs 5 Pittsburgh

WEST

1 Detroit vs 8 Calgary
2 Anaheim vs 7 Minnesota
3 Vancouver vs 6 Dallas
4 Nashville vs 5 San Jose

we left off the conversation with me telling bluefox he's a homer and that nashville is way better than last year.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

In the interest of getting this thread restarted...I posted this before they 'down-graded' the forums and lost all of posts that were made over the last 24 hours. It was saved in my clipboard:


[ QUOTE ]

You guys are giving too much credit to Pittsburgh. Ottawa matches up extremely well against them -- probably better than every other opponent the Pens could have faced. Ottawa has a very similar team to Pittsburgh in many ways, but the Sens' depth will win them the series in the end.

Everyone talks about the scoring power of Pittsburgh, but the reality of the situation is that Ottawa scored 11 more goals that Pittsburgh did this year. Pittsburgh has Crosby, Recchi (who has been slumping since he got taken off of Crosby's line once Roberts arrived) and Malkin. Ottawa has Heatley, Spezza, and Alfredsson. If anything, Ottawa has a slight edge here, but it's close enough that we can call it a wash.

However, the ondoing for the Pens will be that they give up way too many goals. Of the teams who made the playoffs this season, the Pens gave up the second most goals (only Tampa Bay gave up more). Ottawa's defence isn't as strong as in previous years, but overall they're still superior to the Pens' blue-liners. Pittsburgh can score 4 or 5 goals and still end up losing 5-4 or 6-5 due to their inability to shut down Ottawa's attack.

As for goaltending, Emery hasn't been spectacular, but he's been solid. Fleury is going to be expected to stand on his head in order to keep the Pens in games. He might be able to do this for a game or two, but it's a rare goaltender who can do this for a whole series.

With home ice advantage, Ottawa will be able to trot out their top line against the Pens' 3rd and 4th lines. This will be a huge advantage in the first 2 games in Ottawa, and may end up deciding the series if it goes to game 7. Since the Sens' are much stronger defensively, being able to match up Crosby's line against Ottawa's 3rd and 4th lines (when the Pens have home ice) won't be as much of an advantage -- as Ottawa is strong defensively from top to bottom.

It'll be Ottawa in 6. It may only go 5 games if Ottawa wins the first two at home. It'll go 7 if Fleury is spectacular and Crosby carries the team on his shoulders, but I still think Ottawa will end up taking the series.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

Quack Quack

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

As long as Nashville flops, I'll be happy so I can bump my other thread to further prove my point that acquiring Forsberg wasn't as great of an idea that it sounded. Nashville seriously cooled off during the last 20 games of the season, and I don't think they'll go far, if they even get past the Sharks.

Being a Vancouverite, I obviuosly take the Canucks over the Stars in 5 or 6. In fact, the only teams that I think the Canucks don't match up great against are Anahiem and Minnesota, and if Luongo keeps on doing what he's doing, there's no reason why the Canucks can't march into the conference final and stanley cup final.

My first round picks are:

East:
BUF over NYI in 5 (maybe 6... doubtful without DiPietro)
NJ over TB in 5
ATL over NYR in 7 (provided Kovalchuk wakes up)
PIT over OTT in 7 (very tight matchup... but everyone always says "This is the year Ottawa breaks thruogh in the playoffs"... sorry, Ottawa is destined for dissapointment)

West:
DET over CGY in 5 (maybe 6)
ANA over MIN in 6
VAN over DAL in 6
SJ over NSH in 6

I can't see any series finishing in 4, with the exception of NJ-TB... Brodeur could shut the door pretty quickly.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

And I will bump my point that the Predators are in the best position to win now - this was their year to go to for it. In the salary cap era, you cannot sit on your hands like Brian Burke is out in Anaheim - you MUST make moves when your team is a contender, or risk ending a winning cycle without the Stanley Cup. The Senators are in danger of this as well, and the Sabres too, though to a lesser extent.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
And I will bump my point that the Predators are in the best position to win now - this was their year to go to for it. In the salary cap era, you cannot sit on your hands like Brian Burke is out in Anaheim - you MUST make moves when your team is a contender, or risk ending a winning cycle without the Stanley Cup. The Senators are in danger of this as well, and the Sabres too, though to a lesser extent.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would have agreed with you a few months ago, but Nashville has been on a bit of a slide lately. Vokoun hasn't been sharp since he came back from injury, Forsberg is basically skating on one good foot, and Sullivan has been out with a back injury.

I'd love to see Nashville have a good run, as I have been following them closely for the last two years, but I think they'll fall in 6 to SJ.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
I can't see any series finishing in 4, with the exception of NJ-TB... Brodeur could shut the door pretty quickly.


[/ QUOTE ]

It wouldn't surprise me to see Buffalo-NYI go in 4. It was a big deal just for the NYI to make the playoffs. Having them beat Buffalo is a bit too much to ask of them. Buffalo will walk all over them. I'm predicting scores of 5-1 and 7-2 for two or three of the games.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
It wouldn't surprise me to see Buffalo-NYI go in 4.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with this. Dublewitzesheimer strikes me as someone who is going to get rattled quickly by Buffalo and will fall apart.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
It wouldn't surprise me to see Buffalo-NYI go in 4.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with this. Dublewitzesheimer strikes me as someone who is going to get rattled quickly by Buffalo and will fall apart.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Islanders' defense is terrible - that series should go 4. I wouldn't be surprised if the Islanders never have a lead in the series. I don't know what Wade was doing in the final seconds of the Devils' game yesterday - but it almost cost them a shot at the playoffs.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
It wouldn't surprise me to see Buffalo-NYI go in 4.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with this. Dublewitzesheimer strikes me as someone who is going to get rattled quickly by Buffalo and will fall apart.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Islanders' defense is terrible - that series should go 4. I wouldn't be surprised if the Islanders never have a lead in the series. I don't know what Wade was doing in the final seconds of the Devils' game yesterday - but it almost cost them a shot at the playoffs.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, that was weird. It almost looked like he fell trying to come across the crease, and then just flopped around on the ice, hoping the puck would hit him. Luckily, it *did* hit him, but he was in no position to stop the rebound.

He made a couple of nice poke-checks in the shootout, though.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]

we left off the conversation with me telling bluefox he's a homer and that nashville is way better than last year.

[/ QUOTE ]

Did you not see the word HOMERISTIC also?

NSH is a lot better than last year, but that doesn't equate to insta-cup.

Their D is highly questionable. Kyle McLaren has more playoff experience than the NSH D combined. NSH is 24th in shots against. They don't have enough guys to cover the Sharks' top two lines. Look out for Zidlicky to be hardly used in ES play or carry a huge -.
Goaltending is also questionable. Vokoun has been shaky and it's easy to tell that he's debating with himself during the game. In the few I watched he looked like a schizo.
Forsberg hasn't been himself all season long.
Trotz needs to adapt.

Don't forget, the Sharks aren't the same team they were last year either. The series last year wasn't even close... the Sharks dominated every aspect. It will be closer this year, but I still think the Sharks will win.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

East

Buffalo in 5
New Jersey in 4 or 5
Rangers in 6
Pittsburg in 6

West
Detroit in 6
Anaheim in 5
Vancouver in 5
Nashville in 6

I dont know much about the west, but i think i have the winners right. Fwiw, i strongly believe the weakness of schedule helps detroit and nashville a ton, but i think they win the 1st rounds this year.

For East.
Buffalo - i think they walk all over dubie. Sabres will score a lot.

New Jersey. I think Tampas got no chance in this. Tampa gets all its scoring from 3 players. They will be shut down and there goaltending isn't that great

Rangers. Really hot right now. I think they roll against the thrashers

Pittsburg. This one is the toughest. Its close to a wash. I dont listen to that hype of "ottawas a playoff team now". Are they really better then they were last year? The sens are filled with so many players that haven't "stepped" it up in the playoffs. This will be, imo the most exciting series to watch though

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

wow - so McLaren has more experience - too bad he's not very good. The Sharks' D is more experienced now but still isn't exactly good.

Forsberg not himself is still a point a game player and a top 30 player in the game.

Nabokov isn't exactly Patrick Roy back there.

This series will be more difficult than you think.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

I forgot all my other picks let me try this again...

East

1 Buffalo vs 8 New York Islanders (Buf in 7)
2 New Jersey vs 7 Tampa Bay (NJ in 6)
3 Atlanta vs 6 New York Rangers (NY in 5)
4 Ottawa vs 5 Pittsburgh (Ott in 7)

West

1 Detroit vs 8 Calgary (Det in 6)
2 Anaheim vs 7 Minnesota (Min in 7)
3 Vancouver vs 6 Dallas (Van in 6)
4 Nashville vs 5 San Jose (SJ in 7)

round 2
Buf over NY in 6
Ott over NJ in 7

Det over Minn in 6
SJ over Van in 6

3rd round
Buf over Ott in 6
SJ over Det in 7

finals
Buffalo over SJ in 6

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
ATL over NYR in 7 (provided Kovalchuk wakes up)

[/ QUOTE ]

If scoring goals in 4 straight games is asleep, I don't want to wake up.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
ATL over NYR in 7 (provided Kovalchuk wakes up)

[/ QUOTE ]

If scoring goals in 4 straight games is asleep, I don't want to wake up.

[/ QUOTE ]

No doubt he still has scoring touch, but I was merely alluding to the fact that he seriously cooled off in the second half of the season -- probably more so than any other elite forward in the NHL. 76 points in 82 GP for Kovalchuk is a big dissapointment, especially after 98 points in 76 games last year. All due respect to Slava Kozloz (I'm a big backer of Kozlov being underrated in fantasy leagues), he shouldn't be getting more points than Kovalchuk.

Hossa's still going strong, but if ATL wants to go anywhere in the playoffs, they're going to need to cut down on the GA, and hope Kovalchuk goes on a tear.


Didn't really think about how outmatched BUF vs. NYI is... still, I think the Islander's are carrying some momentum into the playoffs, and while they're probably just happy to be there, I think they're more likely to beat BUF than TB is to beat NJ.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
ATL over NYR in 7 (provided Kovalchuk wakes up)

[/ QUOTE ]

If scoring goals in 4 straight games is asleep, I don't want to wake up.

[/ QUOTE ]

No doubt he still has scoring touch, but I was merely alluding to the fact that he seriously cooled off in the second half of the season -- probably more so than any other elite forward in the NHL. 76 points in 82 GP for Kovalchuk is a big dissapointment, especially after 98 points in 76 games last year. All due respect to Slava Kozloz (I'm a big backer of Kozlov being underrated in fantasy leagues), he shouldn't be getting more points than Kovalchuk.

Hossa's still going strong, but if ATL wants to go anywhere in the playoffs, they're going to need to cut down on the GA, and hope Kovalchuk goes on a tear.


Didn't really think about how outmatched BUF vs. NYI is... still, I think the Islander's are carrying some momentum into the playoffs, and while they're probably just happy to be there, I think they're more likely to beat BUF than TB is to beat NJ.

[/ QUOTE ]

you are WAY off - NJ has been sleepwalking for the last month and a half, if they lose Game 1, they are probably finished. Islanders winning that series is a 20-1 shot - at least.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]

This series will be more difficult than you think.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just said it will be closer this year. You really need to read.

You have yet to give any reason why NSH is so godly, other than the GM "made a deadline move!"

If playoff experience didn't count, why are teams ALWAYS making trades to add a playoff vet? Rag on McClaren all you want, but he's still a solid top 4 d-man.

Right now, I'd take:
Hannan, Vlasic, Rivet, McLaren, Carle
over
Weber, Timmonen, Hamhuis, Suter, Zidlicky

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

I'll be the first to admit NJ has problems scoring, but to count out any team backed by Brodeur if they lose game 1... now that's just silly.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

This series will be more difficult than you think.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just said it will be closer this year. You really need to read.

You have yet to give any reason why NSH is so godly, other than the GM "made a deadline move!"

If playoff experience didn't count, why are teams ALWAYS making trades to add a playoff vet? Rag on McClaren all you want, but he's still a solid top 4 d-man.

Right now, I'd take:
Hannan, Vlasic, Rivet, McLaren, Carle
over
Weber, Timmonen, Hamhuis, Suter, Zidlicky

[/ QUOTE ]

Those two claims are not mutually exclusive. You said 'the series will be closer than last year', I said 'this series will be harder than you think' - meaning that even despite the fact that you admit it won't be a walk as it was last year, it is not so lopsided as you are still claiming.

A deadline deal? Yeah that's all it is - maybe it's also adding Jason Arnott, the continued emergence of David Legwand, JP Dumont, Martin Erat, and Alexander Radulov's scoring prowess. Nashville is deeper at forward than San Jose - and San Jose's forwards aren't exactly experienced either. And while Nashville's defenders are young, they are also a capable bunch.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

Nowhere did I state the series will be a piece of cake. Stating the Sharks will win in 5 or 6 doesn't mean the series was easy. A series can be decided in 4 games and still be close.

Forwards are close, Nashville might have better depth but San Jose's very top-heavy and has a quality defensively responsible line. The size is also a HUGE advantage for the Sharks. Timmonen and Zidlicky are going to be having trouble the whole series.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
Nashville is deeper at forward than San Jose - and San Jose's forwards aren't exactly experienced either.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd say it is pretty close... especially since Sullivan won't be ready for the start of the series. Erat possibly coming back for game one is def. good for them.

The Sharks picking up Guerin at the deadline is big, and he is starting to gel. No doubt Forsberg is a beast, but he must get help from his line-mates and not be forced to carry he entire load.

While San Jose's D is young, they are still very good. Vlasic and Carle have been strong all year and continue to emerge.

Nashville MUST stay out of penalty trouble or it is over. San Jose is bigger and faster and will use that to their advantage forcing Nashville to keep the puck out of their defensive end.

While Nabby may not be Roy, he has been playing Roy-like lately and goes into the playoffs looking very sharp.

Nabby's last 15 games :
11-0-3
1.73 GA
93.5 SV%

But if Nabby does faulter, Vesa will come in as Wilson has shown his short-leash in the past and shows no favorites.

If Vokoun turtles up like he sometimes does, Nashville will have no choice but to stick w/ him.

On top of that Jonathan Cheechoo is absolutely white hot right now!

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
BUF &gt; NYI in 4
NJ &gt; TB in 5 BUF &gt; OTT in 5
ATL &gt; NYR in 5 NJ &gt; ATL in 5 BUF &gt; NJ in 6
OTT &gt; PIT in 6
SJS &gt; BUF in 6
CAL &gt; DET in 6
ANA &gt; MIN in 4 ANA &gt; CAL in 5 SJS &gt; ANA in 6
VAN &gt; DAL in 5 SJS &gt; VAN in 6
SJS &gt; NSH in 6
</pre><hr />

<u>FIRST ROUND MATCH-UPS</u>
BUFFALO vs NEW YORK ISLANDERS
I think this will be an easy sweep. The Sabres just dominates every aspect of the game. Since the Islanders won't be able to stop the Sabre's offense and definitely can't match it, expect really lop-sided scores after every game.
<u>X-factor:</u> DiPietro. If the Islanders hope to win, he will have to stand on his head to save the team.

NEW JERSEY vs TAMPA BAY
A classic match-up of pure defense vs pure offense. I don't think the Lightning will be able to overcome Brodeur. TB's D isn't exactly strong and the Devil's top lines should be able to get a few past rookie goaltender Holmqvist. A few goals is all the Devils will need. I expect mostly 2-1 games and a few going to OT in this series. It's going to be a lot closer than the "Win in 5" suggests.
<u>X-factor:</u> Devil's offense. If Gomez and Elias can't score, the Devils won't win. You can only keep the offensive juggernauts on the Lighting off the scorecard for so long.

ATLANTA vs NEW YORK RANGERS
I'm not seeing either of these teams going deep in this year's playoffs. They resemble each other a lot and are almost evenly matched. This game will come down to which team dictates the play. If the Rangers allow the game to open up and begin to play sloppy on D, then the Thrashers will make quick work of the Blueshirts. For the Rangers to move on, they will need to keep the game slow and play SOLID on defense.
<u>X-factor:</u> Jaromir Jagr. If he doesn't produce big points, I don't see the Rangers winning more than a game. I have a feeling he will either dominate or be VERY quiet.

OTTAWA vs PITTSBURGH
This will EASILY be the most exciting series to watch! Two fast-paced, high-scoring teams (both in top 4 of goals/game) going at it. The series can come down to which goalie plays better, but I believe the Senators will move on. The Senators D is much better and the team has more experience. The Sens are 4th in shots/game while the Penguins are in the bottom third of shots against. The Pens D will have a hard time stopping Heatley, Spezza, and Alfredsson.
<u>X-factor:</u> Special Teams. The teams are reciprocals of each other when it comes to PP/PK. Both teams need to focus on staying out of the sin bin... and this can be a more difficult challenge to the young Penguin team.

DETROIT vs CALGARY
Deja vu for the Red Wings? I think this will be the closest series in the West and will result in the #1 seeded Detroit being bounced early once again. While the Flames haven't been so hot recently, the physical play should wear down the Wings. The goaltenders for both teams will play great and the shallow offense of both teams will struggle.
<u>X-factor:</u> Todd Bertuzzi. If he can contribute offensively and throw his weight back at the Flames, the Wings will fly forward.

ANAHEIM vs MINNESOTA
The Ducks finished their stellar season seizing the Pacific Division title, the first team other than the Sharks and Stars to do so. They have offense, speed, size, and of course the two best defensemen in the world. The Wild feature a stingy defensive system and Slovakians. However, the Ducks D &amp; goaltending should be able to stop the shallow scoring depth on the Wild. The Ducks offensive size and speed will be too much for the Wild to handle. The Wild will be forced to open up the game if they fall behind early... which plays right into the strength of the Ducks.
<u>X-factor:</u> Backstrom/Fernandez. Although I really can't see the Wild pulling out 4 wins, if they do it then it's because of one of these goaltenders. If things don't go well in the first game, Ferndandez will be thrown in net and prove that he should stay.

VANCOUVER vs DALLAS
This will be the lowest scoring first-round series. Both teams have great goaltending, although question marks always surround Turco in the playoffs. The Canucks will spend most of the games cycling in the Stars' zone.
<u>X-factor:</u> Sergei Zubov. If the Stars hope to move on they have to get by Luongo first. To do that, the weak Stars offense will need to score on their powerplays vs the number 1 penalty killers in the league. Zubov will be the key to the Stars' powerplay.

SAN JOSE vs NASHVILLE
Offense:
SJ &gt; NSH Not in depth, but in quality.
Defense:
SJ &gt; NSH
The Shark's defense is much more experienced than the Predators'. Zidlicky and Timmonen will have too much trouble defending against giants.
Goaltending:
Even
Nabokov has been stellar while Vokoun has been shaky. However, this can easily swap... as we've seen Nabokov at his worst last season and we all know how great Vokoun can be.
<u>X-factor:</u> Forsberg. It's up to him and Vokoun.


Now feel free to rip me a new one.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

A bunch of people have predicted Anaheim over Minnesota in 4 or 5 games.

I don't know what NHL you guys are watching, this should be a great series. The Wild are a completely different team with Gaborik back and with Backstrom/Harding in place of Fernandez. Don't let the seedings fool you.

Wild with Gaborik- 33-14
Wild without Gaborik- 15-20

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

No doubt Gaborik changes the face of the team... but defensively Anahiem is pretty rock solid, and JSG has shown he can man it between the pipes. I think it will definetly be tight, but Anahiem is so well rounded. I doubt anyone will agree with me, I think most people will probably lean towards Buffalo being the favourite and Nashville as well, but I think Anahiem's got the best chance to win. In a 7 game stint, I think they're the strongest.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
A bunch of people have predicted Anaheim over Minnesota in 4 or 5 games.

I don't know what NHL you guys are watching, this should be a great series. The Wild are a completely different team with Gaborik back and with Backstrom/Harding in place of Fernandez. Don't let the seedings fool you.

Wild with Gaborik- 33-14
Wild without Gaborik- 15-20

[/ QUOTE ]

Gaborik is just one man. One man that will face Nieds or Pronger the ENTIRE game.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
A bunch of people have predicted Anaheim over Minnesota in 4 or 5 games.

I don't know what NHL you guys are watching, this should be a great series. The Wild are a completely different team with Gaborik back and with Backstrom/Harding in place of Fernandez. Don't let the seedings fool you.

Wild with Gaborik- 33-14
Wild without Gaborik- 15-20

[/ QUOTE ]

Gaborik is just one man. One man that will face Nieds or Pronger the ENTIRE game.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point, he never faces the opposing team's top D in the regular season.



I think the Wild are going to win, but I can understand the POV of those who think the Ducks will win.

What I can't understand is anyone who thinks this series will be a walk for the Ducks.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
A bunch of people have predicted Anaheim over Minnesota in 4 or 5 games.

I don't know what NHL you guys are watching, this should be a great series. The Wild are a completely different team with Gaborik back and with Backstrom/Harding in place of Fernandez. Don't let the seedings fool you.

Wild with Gaborik- 33-14
Wild without Gaborik- 15-20

[/ QUOTE ]

Gaborik is just one man. One man that will face Nieds or Pronger the ENTIRE game.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point, he never faces the opposing team's top D in the regular season.



I think the Wild are going to win, but I can understand the POV of those who think the Ducks will win.

What I can't understand is anyone who thinks this series will be a walk for the Ducks.

[/ QUOTE ]

I love how everyone gets butt-hurt if someone predicts a team to lose. It's not like the Ducks are going to have 4 skaters out on the ice the entire game and win 6-0. Every playoff game IS tough and will be hard fought.

I'd like to see more people put up some brackets... let's see who gets the most correct [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

Okay, here goes:

1 Buffalo vs 8 New York Islanders -- Buffalo in 4
2 New Jersey vs 7 Tampa Bay -- NJ in 5
3 Atlanta vs 6 New York Rangers -- NYR in 6
4 Ottawa vs 5 Pittsburgh -- Ottawa in 6

WEST

1 Detroit vs 8 Calgary Detroit in 6
2 Anaheim vs 7 Minnesota Anaheim in 7
3 Vancouver vs 6 Dallas Vancouver in 7
4 Nashville vs 5 San Jose SJ in 6

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

my bracket was up last night, anyway it's

Sabres in 4
Devils in 6
Rangers in 6
Penguins in 7

Red Wings in 7
Anaheim in 6
Vancouver in 5
San Jose in 7

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

Devils FTW. Maybe them being good this year will get me back into hockey. Losing season tickets + strike killed my love for the sport, hopefully some good classic NJ hockey will have me enjoy the sport again. I loved their game on Sunday even though it was a loss.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
Devils FTW. Maybe them being good this year will get me back into hockey. Losing season tickets + strike killed my love for the sport, hopefully some good classic NJ hockey will have me enjoy the sport again. I loved their game on Sunday even though it was a loss.

[/ QUOTE ]

are you kidding? that game was terrible. they got lucky and put two in late - they played abysmal hockey, i almost turned off the TV.

this is not the year to become a Devils fan again. 2009 seems like a good time.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
A bunch of people have predicted Anaheim over Minnesota in 4 or 5 games.

I don't know what NHL you guys are watching, this should be a great series. The Wild are a completely different team with Gaborik back and with Backstrom/Harding in place of Fernandez. Don't let the seedings fool you.

Wild with Gaborik- 33-14
Wild without Gaborik- 15-20

[/ QUOTE ]

Gaborik is just one man. One man that will face Nieds or Pronger the ENTIRE game.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point, he never faces the opposing team's top D in the regular season.



I think the Wild are going to win, but I can understand the POV of those who think the Ducks will win.

What I can't understand is anyone who thinks this series will be a walk for the Ducks.

[/ QUOTE ]

I love how everyone gets butt-hurt if someone predicts a team to lose. It's not like the Ducks are going to have 4 skaters out on the ice the entire game and win 6-0. Every playoff game IS tough and will be hard fought.

I'd like to see more people put up some brackets... let's see who gets the most correct [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

All playoff games are not close and hard-fought, there are blowouts all the time. WTF are you talking about.


If you think the games are all going to be close then logically you would expect the Wild to edge a couple out and thus not predict a sweep.


So yeah, what are you talking about.


My brackets:

EAST:
Buffalo in 4
NJ in 5
NYR in 6
PITT in 7

WEST:
Calgary in 7
Minnesota in 6
Vancouver in 7
SJ in 6

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

Let's Go Islanders!

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

1 Buffalo vs 8 New York Islanders

Buffalo

2 New Jersey vs 7 Tampa Bay

New Jersey

3 Atlanta vs 6 New York Rangers

Rangers

4 Ottawa vs 5 Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

WEST

1 Detroit vs 8 Calgary

Calgary

2 Anaheim vs 7 Minnesota

Anaheim

3 Vancouver vs 6 Dallas

Vancouver

4 Nashville vs 5 San Jose

San Jose

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I can't see any series finishing in 4, with the exception of NJ-TB... Brodeur could shut the door pretty quickly.


[/ QUOTE ]

It wouldn't surprise me to see Buffalo-NYI go in 4. It was a big deal just for the NYI to make the playoffs. Having them beat Buffalo is a bit too much to ask of them. Buffalo will walk all over them. I'm predicting scores of 5-1 and 7-2 for two or three of the games.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

I agree with all of your picks with the exception of the Ducks losing to the Wild..

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

[ QUOTE ]

NJ in 5

[/ QUOTE ]

Yo man. How can you say the Devils in 5? Do you know who the lightning are? [censored] man, we have 2 of the top scorers and a killer offensive d-man. WTF are you talking about? I can see you saying Devils winning, but in 5? I can't understand that!

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

Excellent points bluefox, your logic has persuaded me.

Predicting a 4-game sweep does not necessarily imply a belief that one team is clearly dominant. Touche.

Re: The Official NHL Playoffs Thread
 

I'm changing my bracket.

DET over CGY in 4
ANA over MIN in 4
VAN over DAL in 4
SJ over NSH in 4

BUF over NYI in 2
NJ over TB in 4
ATL over NYR in 4
PIT over OTT in 4